AdvAnCement & FundRAising
Gala celebrates champions of education and community impact
Nearly 300 guests gathered in April for the 2025 Own Your Future Gala, hosted by the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc., the not-for-profit dedicated to growing support for SUNY Old Westbury. Now in its second year, the gala served as both a celebration and a call to action, raising critical funds to enhance academic programs, student support, and campus initiatives at SUNY Old Westbury. The event also honored individuals and organizations whose leadership and advocacy continue to elevate the University’s mission.
Among the evening’s distinguished honorees was former New York State Governor David Paterson, who received special recognition for his unwavering commitment to higher education. TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college and career success program for immigrant students, was also celebrated for its transformative support of SUNY Old Westbury scholars. Hyein Lee, chief operating officer, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Rounding out the honorees was Thomas DelGiudice, retired at the close of the academic year as an associate professor of Politics, Economics and Law, and whose more than 50-year legacy as a student, alumnus, and faculty member at the University left an indelible mark on the campus community.
Local business invests in future with $400,000 commitment
In a powerful tribute to legacy and community, Deer Park Recycling and its CEO, Anthony Sissons, have established the Jeffrey M. Sissons Memorial Scholarship -- a $400,000
investment in the educational futures of student from the New Cassel community.
Named in honor of the late Jeffrey M. Sissons, former CEO and father of Anthony, the scholarship will provide 10 deserving students with four-year awards of $10,000 annually. Designed to support those who fall through the cracks of traditional financial aid, the scholarship removes key barriers to higher education by covering tuition, fees, books, and transportation. Over the next 13 years, this initiative will open doors for students with demonstrated financial need, empowering them to pursue their academic dreams and build brighter futures.
The first recipient of the award, Alexa Santiago Munoz, was selected and will receive her first year’s award this Fall, 2025.
Increased scholarship support achieved
The Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc. awarded 236 scholarships to students of SUNY Old Westbury during the 2024-2025 academic year.
“Ensuring that students have the tools and resources they need to successfully complete their education as SUNY Old Westbury, is central to the work of the Foundation.” said Foundation Chair Nora Bassett. “Increasing the number of scholarships, we provide not only helps our students, but helps us achieve our mission.”
During the 2024-25 academic year, new funds of $25,000 or more were created, including:
◼ Alonzo L. McCollum Memorial Endowment: created in honor of the founding Director of SUNY’s Equal Opportunity Program (EOP). The fund will support the greatest needs of EOP students.
◼ Nerva Jean-Pierre Memorial Scholarship Fund: created in honor of the dedicated alumnus and philanthropist. The scholarship will support students with an immigrant background.
◼ Arfa Faroque Khan( AFK) Endowment: created by Foundation Board trustee. The fund will provide scholarships to students in need.
◼ Jeffrey M. Sissons Memorial Scholarship Fund: created in honor of the local entrepreneur for his generosity and deep care for the community his business service. The fund will provide full tuition, four-year scholarships to students from the local community.
Students gather for Supper Club
Tablecloth? Check. Cloth napkins? Check. Fresh flowers? Check. Great food? Check. Interesting company? Check. Each of those items and more were on the menu when a select group of SUNY Old Westbury students participated in the Supper Club, an initiative by the campus’ dining provider, Chartwells, to unite students for memorable meals that blend sophistication with nostalgia and foster engaging conversations and meaningful connections.
The fare for the spring 2025 Supper Club featured a “surf and turf” vibe with steak and lobster prepared by the Chartwells team. Chartwells associates served as hosts for this elevated dining experience.
Students also were joined by University President Timothy Sams and other members of his leadership team for the event.
Fitness court prioritizes health and wellness
SUNY Old Westbury was selected from hundreds of applicants and was awarded a $30,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign to build a modern, outdoor Fitness Court® with a supporting mobile app.
The Fitness Court features seven different functional training stations that provide a full-body workout to adults of all ability levels. Featuring weather-resistant bodyweight equipment, the Fitness Court is located outside the Campus Center building and is available for year-round use.
